Obituary: Sacred Heart Brother Robert Ziobro

Sacred Heart Brother Robert Ziobro, 77, died June 7 in St. Antoine’s Nursing Home, North Smithfield, R.I.

Brother Robert wass known for his dedication to the education, support and formation of young people, having lived his 51 years of ministry embracing a rule of life for the Sacred Heart Brothers to “believe in God’s love, to live it, and to spread it. It is to contribute as religious educators to the evangelization of the world particularly through the education of the youth.”

Brother Robert served Msgr. McClancy Memorial High School, East Elmurst, N.Y.; St. Joseph High School, Metuchen, and Phillipsburg Catholic High School, Phillipsburg. Beyond the classroom, Brother Robert ministered as guidance counselor, freshman dean, department chair, campus minister, club moderator, and coach.

He also served as a member of several parish staffs, including as director of religious education and youth group moderator in the parish of the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi, Metuchen; Regina Pacis Parish, Brooklyn; St. Augustine of Canterbury School, Kendall Park, and St. David the King Parish, Princeton Junction.

Two of Brother Robert’s major contributions to the mission of the New York Province and the Brothers of the Sacred Heart was his service as volunteer program director and his 22-year tenure as vocation director. He also served as associate director of vocations for the Diocese of Metuchen for two years.

Brother Robert, a native of Elizabeth, was the son of the late Chester Ziobro and Stephanie Sobota. He joined the Brothers of the Sacred Heart juniorate in Metuchen, Sept. 13, 1959, and became a novice at Belvidere in August 1963. He professed his first vows on August 15, 1964, in the Brothers’ chapel at Belvidere, and later made his perpetual profession at Msgr. McClancy Memorial High School on Aug. 15, 1970.

Brother Robert was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his brother, Ronald Ziobro; sister-in-law, Karen; his niece and godchild, Denise Ziobro, and several cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated at the Brothers’ residence chapel in Pascoag, R.I., on June 15. A second was held in St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral June 17. Interment took place at the Brothers’ cemetery on the grounds of Saint Joseph High School. 

Donations in honor of Brother Robert’s memory can be made to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Foundation (4600 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122).